Armed gardaí have raided more than 20 properties across three counties as part of a large-scale CAB investigation into a Dublin crime gang.

In total 24 locations were searched this morning in Cabra, Finglas, Monkstown, Leixlip, Courtown and Gorey.

They included private residences and professional offices. Gardaí seized a large amount of documentation and evidence, that they believed relate to the proceeds of crime.

At around 6.30am specialist gardaí from the Emergency Response Unit (ERU) and Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (DOCB) began carrying out raids as part of the probe led by the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB).

The targets of the investigation are an organised crime gang from the Cabra area of the capital, which is headed by two notorious brothers.

During a search of a house in Finglas a quantity of cocaine with a street value of approximately €3,500 was discovered.

A 37-year-old man was arrested and is being detained at Finglas Garda station under the provisions of section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 as amended.

A garda spokesman said that investigations are ongoing.

Members of the Armed Support unit (ASU) as well as gardai from the DMR West and Wexford divisions were also involved in the operation, which had been planned for some time.